What we do to stop climate change

Climate change impacts are being felt across the globe as sea levels rise, tropical storms smash into coastlines, once-fertile lands battle with floods or drought and permafrost in the polar regions melts. Although Africa contributes relatively little to global warming, the region is suffering from its effects.

Over 180 million people in sub-Saharan Africa alone could die as a result of climate change by the end of the century. Unpredictable rainfall patterns, lower crop yields, soaring food prices and dwindling natural resources are already causing increased human migration, tension and conflict.

South Africa - in a position to lead

South Africa can influence the battle against climate change, being an active member of the African Union, a vocal member of the G77, and one of the four developing countries poised to become a southern engine of global economic growth.

Its powerful combination of strong international leadership, progressive thinking and forward-looking policies are reflected in its calls for dramatic cuts in global greenhouse gas emissions and for mechanisms to help vulnerable countries adapt to the impacts of climate change.

Want to know more about the fight against climate change?Download our reports:

The True Cost of Coal in South Africa

Catastrophic climate change and uncontrollable debt are burdens South Africans will have to bear for their government’s addiction to coal. On top of the escalating construction costs for Kusile, the monstrous coal-fired power plant, the country will have to pay up to R60.6 billion per year for the external costs associated with it.

Eskom should stop construction at Kusile and invest in renewable energy solutions, which guarantee thousands of new jobs, while there is still time. The true cost of building this power station is much more than South Africans can afford to pay.

The True Cost of Nuclear Energy in South Africa

The True Cost of Nuclear report outlines South Africa’s costly nuclear history, its failure to learn from past mistakes, and how the country could leave dirty and dangerous energy behind by investing in renewables. To achieve a nuclear-free South Africa, whilst still reducing the country’s dependency on coal, the electricity sector needs to be the pioneer of renewable energy utilisation. According to our Advanced Energy [R]evolution, 49% of electricity can be produced from renewable sources by 2030, increasing to 94% by 2050.

Did you know?

South Africa is the third-best solar location globally as it has one of the highest and most stable solar radiations in the world.

South Africa can and should champion a renewable energy future, one in which we see increased access to cheap electricity, thousands of new jobs and the democratisation of energy production. An Energy [R]evolution is possible if our leaders are willing to champion the cause.

The Advanced Energy [R]evolution

South Africa can create around 150 000 new jobs in the energy sector in the next 20 years, and at the same time safeguard against catastrophic climate change -- according to Greenpeace's 'Advanced Energy [R]evolution' report.

'The Advanced Energy [R]evolution' is a detailed and practical blueprint for cutting carbon emissions, replacing fossil fuels and nuclear power with renewable energy, and growing the economy. It is one of the most comprehensive plans to resolve the country’s need for energy security and a sustainable energy future, ever.

The report shows that renewable energy is mature, ready for implementation, and can be deployed on a large scale. It means that as renewable energy is scaled up, we can start phasing out coal, an energy source incompatible with the goal of avoiding runaway climate change.

The latest updates

Day 1 is done and dusted. Today’s stage was held on Deception Island – we were given just over 7 hours to run a 4.5km course.
The terrain was tough – half of the course was covered in a layer of ice, and with each step you went...

Hallo everyone
It’s day 2 on the Plancius and the sea sickness is bad. Really struggling.
The sun is out, but the wind very strong and swells very big.
We are supposed to reach the first islands by midnight and thereafter...

Hallo everyone
We are in the middle of the Drake Passage, almost a third of the way to Antarctica. The sea is rough with huge swells. Walking, eating, sleeping, etc. are a challenge. Fortunately, my sea sickness pills are working...

Saturday, 1 November 2014
Greetings from Ushuaia
The big day has finally arrived. The countdown to Antarctica is over.
In a few hours our ship departs for Antarctica and on Tuesday, 4 November 2014, I will start running the ...

How to Follow Me During the Last Desert Race
Friday, 31 October 2014
Greetings from Ushuaia
The expedition ship, Plancius, our home for the Last Desert Race, departs from Ushuaia on Saturday afternoon (1 November 2014) to...

Exploring Ushuaia
Wednesday, 29 October & Thursday, 30 October 2014
Greetings from Ushuaia
I am finally in Ushuaia at the southern tip of Argentina. It was long trip from San Francisco via Houston and Buenos Aires, including...